Thinking of Friends in Mexico

With all the snow, I was thinking about Mexico, where just last month I enjoyed weather in the balmy 80's. Also had time to go through some of the videos I took there, and wondered what my young Mexican friends would think of all this snow. These videos always bring smiiles, and I hope you enjoy them, too!

Report on Surgery

Kim's husband, Mel, called a few minutes ago with an update on Kim's surgery. She came through it well, and is resting in ICU.

One thing I had forgotten was that the Spokane surgeon told her he might be able to do something less than a total colostomy, and according to Mel, this was successful. So he somehow was able to save a portion of her bowel, which is really good news! I'm not sure what was done to the stomach, but I will post more as I get more information.

Thanks for all the prayers and good wishes.
Gayle

Kim's Surgery Set For Tomorrow

My friend, Kim, will finally have surgery tomorrow, Monday, in Spokane. She has not been well at all these past few weeks--she's in pain, has lost a lot of weight, and can't eat. The doctors will perform a colostomy, remove her stomach and create a temporary one, and possibly do something to help her esophogus work better.

The scleroderma has really taken a toll on her system, and I ask your prayers and positive thoughts that she may be strong enough to come through it well. Also, that the surgeons hands will help to overcome her many challoenges.

Frank and I are going to visit her in awhile before the family leaves. Daughter Ashley will stay home, as she is beginning a new job.

Kim anticipates her hospital stay will be at least a week, then she has to stay in Spokane awhile for follow-up. Fortunately, a nearby motel provides patients' families a special rate of just $55 per night, so that will help.

When she does come home, her husband will need to be off work for some time, as she will have a feeding tube and will need home care.

A business person who owns properties has hired Ashley part-time, and he also may be able to rent them a home in the months ahead, at a rate they can afford. Kim should start receiving Social Security Disability in the months ahead. At least she was not denied, which usually is automatic for folks applying.

The little article in the newspaper generated calls from around 10 people, and donations have allowed the family to catch up on their electric bill, buy groceries, and some wood to burn in their wood stove to keep down the electric heat bill. A young single mom took her young boys door to door to collect food donations! Wow! What a positive model for her children!

My dear friends, you have been so generous with your prayers and donations, and I thank you sincerely. The weeks ahead will be tough for the family.

If you would like to donate non-perishable food, I will be gathering that. In addition, if you would like to provide a meal or two for the family when they are home, that would lighten their load. They will all be struggling without their mom providing the strength she has for so long. Even when sick she would make sure they had a hot meal in the evening.

Thank you for your kindness and prayers. I will give an update when I hear something after the surgery.

Sincerely,

Gayle

Delicious Roasted Carrot Soup Recipe

Thanks to my friend Jean for introducing me to this great recipe. We LOVE it, and it's perfect for these cold days!

Roasted Carrot Soup With Ginger

1 1/2 lbs. carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise

1 lb. parsnips, peeled and quartered lengthwise

1 lg. onion, sliced

3-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped

6 T. unsalted butter

3T. packed dark brown sugar

8 c. chicken broth

Pinch cayenne pepper

Optional: Creme fraiche and fresh chives for garnish

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Combine carrots, parsnips, onion and ginger in a shallow roasting pan, dot with butter, sprinkle with brown sugar.

3. Pour 2 c. broth into the pan, cover well with aluminum foil, and bake for 2 hours, until vegetables are very tender.

4. Transfer to a large soup pot with the remaining 6 cups of broth. Season with salt and cayenne pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 10 minutes.

5. Puree the soup in batches in a blender until smooth, adding more broth if necessary. Return the soup to the pot, adjust the seasonings, and heat through. Serve dolloped with creme fraiche and chives. Enjoy!